The Author.
Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust has done an incredible 'Sewa' by evacuating more than 11,000 pilgrims who were stranded at various locations in Uttrakhand. Only couple of thousand are left as on date and most likely they will brought to safer places today or tomorrow.
We acknowledge the services of the 500+strong team of Sewadars, Managers, and staff of the Trust in working day and night to make arrangements, co-ordinate with State Government and the Army officials, arranging helicopters, food and shelter for all! The Trust is committed to provide all help to the stranded pilgrims and ensure safe return to home.
The Untold Story:
The Disaster that struck Gurdwara Gobind Ghat on 16 June could have been worst, but for the timely action by a young Electrician of the Gurdwara, who was working on repairs in the Generator room in the early hours. He saw water gushing into the Generator and electrical room. After sensing the neck deep waters, he rushed towards the main building, the Parkash Asthan and announced on PA System to the sleeping pilgrims to evacuate the lower areas and rush to safety on upper region. Manager and his staff, granthis and sewadars immediately raised the alarm, used all means to take the holy Granth to a safe place and help people in distress. This timely warning helped to save thousands of lives and its Almighty who came as Saviour of the people.
The Army and ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police)--the Valiant Soldiers of the Indian Army, from a soldier to the General swooped into action, they took all their men and materials to help the Pilgrims. The foremost task was to evacuate the Pilgrims to safer places and to nearly Joshimath, which is District HQ and has many places to provide shelter to the pilgrims. The helicopters were deployed, temporary bridges were constructed, Army trucks were employed, medical aid was provided. Gurdwara Dushtdaman, Joshimath, its Staff and Sewadars co-ordinated the efforts of Army, Civil Authorities, and other agencies.
Salute to the Army!
India has hope!!
(The writer is noted author and industrialist.)